OBAMACARE REPEAL? – AT 9:46 A.M. ET:  This is kind of sneaking up on us.  Congressional Republicans are making a last-ditch attempt to repeal and replace Obamacare, following their humiliating failure to do it earlier.  They are close.  From The Hill:   

A last-ditch effort by Senate Republicans to repeal and replace ObamaCare is gaining steam, suggesting lawmakers could face another vote on ending the former president’s signature law later this month.

Supporters do not have the 50 votes necessary to pass the bill yet, but pressure is growing on Republicans to back the measure, which could replace much of ObamaCare with block grants for states.

In a crucial boost for its chances on Monday, Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey (R) offered his support.

“Congress has 12 days to say ‘yes’ to Graham-Cassidy. It’s time for them to get the job done,” he said, referring to the bill's two main co-sponsors, Sens. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) and Bill Cassidy (R-La.).

Ducey’s support is important because Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) has said the Arizona governor's position would be an important factor in how he votes.

McCain helped kill the repeal effort in July, calling for committee hearings and a bipartisan process, but he has left the door open to voting for Graham and Cassidy's bill.

Still, McCain on Monday criticized the rushed process leading up to a possible vote next week, while not ruling out voting for the bill.

COMMENT:  Could be very interesting.  I am not an expert on the technicalities of the GOP proposal, but I've always favored grants to states.  The name of the country is the United States of America, and we sometimes forget that.  State participation in medical systems makes all kinds of sense.  It brings medical care closer to the people, and forces states to compete against each other for quality, fearing citizens and businesses will leave unless medical care is done right.  Maybe this is worth a try.

September 19, 2017